Lug nuts!
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: wheelersburg ohio
Lug nuts!
How do u guys tighten the factory lug nuts without cracking and flaking the chrome. I'tried six piont, twelve point, impact, hand, always mess up the chrome. I thought a few years ago i saw some sockets with a nylon insert???
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
They sell nylon inserts for the next larger size of 6-point socket at auto parts stores. You may have to purchase a set. You just need to know what size the lug nut is (3/4" usually) and that you have the larger size socket needed for the insert.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
Likes: 2,029
From: eastern NC
I realize that everyone isn't enamored with Snap On tools like I am, however if you only purchase one 1/2" drive Snap On socket to use on your chrome lug nuts, you will never experience problems with the chrome cracking again. (I personally prefer the 6-point for this purpose, but a 12-point will work as well.)
While chrome is one of the hardest materials in common use, it is brittle. A conventional socket grabs the corners of a nut/bolt (as illustrated below) and if the base material deforms beneath the chrome even a minute amount it can and often does crack the chrome finish. This allows moisture to get beneath the chrome and rust the base metal.
A Snap On socket uses flank drive and never touches the corner of a nut/bolt. It only touches the flank or flat of the nut/bolt and presses flat against the base metal where the chrome is far less prone to cracking.
A Snap On socket will often leave a slight mark on the flat of a very tight nut or bolt where the socket touches it, clearly showing that it doesn't touch the corner of the nut. In addition, I have never rounded the corners of a not/bolt using a Snap On socket. I have snapped a few bolts, but never rounded one off.
Again, I'm not suggesting that you need a complete complement of Snap On tools to save your chrome lug nuts... all you need is one socket that fits your lug nut and you can turn it with any ratchet up to the job.
Oh yea, never use an impact gun on your chrome lug nuts, even a Snap On socket can damage the chrome if driven by an impact gun... ask me how I know...
At one point I did purchase a set of specialty sockets that are designed with a nylon insert to protect chrome lug nuts. Using a torque wrench set on 90#, the nylon insert distorted enough that it cracked the nylon and I wasn't confident the nut even saw the full 90#. I returned them the next day. I don't believe this is what 7T1vette was referring to, but they are in all of the specialty catalogs and in my opinion not worth the trouble or money.
Good luck... GUSTO
While chrome is one of the hardest materials in common use, it is brittle. A conventional socket grabs the corners of a nut/bolt (as illustrated below) and if the base material deforms beneath the chrome even a minute amount it can and often does crack the chrome finish. This allows moisture to get beneath the chrome and rust the base metal.
A Snap On socket uses flank drive and never touches the corner of a nut/bolt. It only touches the flank or flat of the nut/bolt and presses flat against the base metal where the chrome is far less prone to cracking.
A Snap On socket will often leave a slight mark on the flat of a very tight nut or bolt where the socket touches it, clearly showing that it doesn't touch the corner of the nut. In addition, I have never rounded the corners of a not/bolt using a Snap On socket. I have snapped a few bolts, but never rounded one off.
Again, I'm not suggesting that you need a complete complement of Snap On tools to save your chrome lug nuts... all you need is one socket that fits your lug nut and you can turn it with any ratchet up to the job.
Oh yea, never use an impact gun on your chrome lug nuts, even a Snap On socket can damage the chrome if driven by an impact gun... ask me how I know...
At one point I did purchase a set of specialty sockets that are designed with a nylon insert to protect chrome lug nuts. Using a torque wrench set on 90#, the nylon insert distorted enough that it cracked the nylon and I wasn't confident the nut even saw the full 90#. I returned them the next day. I don't believe this is what 7T1vette was referring to, but they are in all of the specialty catalogs and in my opinion not worth the trouble or money.
Good luck... GUSTO
Pro
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 683
Likes: 114
From: Hamilton Ohio
I think I read this on this forum some where IIRC.
Take one of those heavier plastic freezer bags and put that over the lug nut.
Then put your 6 point socket over the lug nut and tighten away.
Been using this method for a couple of years with no cracks or scratches
. Give it a try.
Take one of those heavier plastic freezer bags and put that over the lug nut.
Then put your 6 point socket over the lug nut and tighten away.
Been using this method for a couple of years with no cracks or scratches
. Give it a try.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,736
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From: I buy all my days at the same place where the girl sells her nights
